ATR and Ethiopian MRO Services Form Powerful Partnership to Boost Aircraft Maintenance and Training in Africa
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
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ATR, the leading regional aircraft manufacturer, and Ethiopian MRO Services, a premier maintenance and training provider within the Ethiopian Airlines Group, have signed a Letter of Intent to enhance Ethiopian MRO Services’ capabilities for ATR aircraft maintenance and training. This strategic partnership marks a pivotal step in expanding ATR’s influence in Africa and the Middle East, providing improved support to local operators and driving regional market growth.
The agreement will focus on advancing Ethiopian MRO Services’ maintenance expertise for ATR aircraft and establishing a local spare parts inventory to expedite response times for ATR operators in the area. Additionally, it will explore joint initiatives to train new ATR pilots in collaboration with the Ethiopian Aviation University, the region’s most advanced aviation training institution.
Ethiopian MRO Services, with its comprehensive maintenance and repair capabilities, an international spare parts delivery network, multiple hubs across the continent, and a top-tier aviation training university, is a crucial player in the aftermarket sector. This partnership positions Ethiopian MRO Services as the ideal local partner to meet the needs of the 36 airlines operating 131 ATR aircraft throughout Africa and the Middle East.
Regarding the strategic agreement, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “This partnership aligns with Ethiopian Airlines Group’s vision to become a leading aviation reference for the African continent and the Middle East. We aim to share our expertise and benefit the entire African and Middle Eastern aviation community. This collaboration reinforces Ethiopia’s positioning as a key hub, and the fact that an established OEM such as ATR approaches us to leverage our capabilities for their fleet and operators is a testament to the recognition we have earned.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Ethiopian MRO’s significant investments over the past years to expand their facilities combined with their dedication to developing their capabilities, present a timely opportunity for ATR to provide better support to our African and Middle Eastern operators. We are confident this cooperation will help boost regional aviation locally and unlock further potential for growth. Our operators will benefit from an improved quality of service, lower maintenance costs, reduced downtimes and lower emissions through the support of an experienced partner close to their needs.”
While some areas in Africa and the Middle East boast thriving regional aviation networks, with turboprops playing a crucial role in local business, goods transport, and tourism, the region as a whole remains significantly underconnected. Currently, 67% of routes under 500NM are served once daily or less, comprising only 11% of available seats. Most air traffic is concentrated on a limited number of well-served main routes, while connectivity from secondary cities is decreasing. Utilizing turboprops presents a cost-effective and reliable solution for domestic and subregional travel, avoiding the need for expensive and environmentally disruptive ground infrastructure projects.
ATR aircraft, known for their exceptional versatility, fuel efficiency, and low operating costs, are ideally suited to meet the growing connectivity demands of communities in the region. To further enhance customer satisfaction and regional expertise, ATR established a Regional Field Service Representative in Ethiopia at the end of 2023. This initiative aims to foster closer relationships with customers and improve their overall experience.
